India continues to advance its agenda of inclusive growth and self-reliance with several key government schemes and policy updates emerging over the last 24 hours. These initiatives span critical areas from agricultural sustainability to social welfare, defence manufacturing, and digital transformation.
Agriculture and Water Management
The government has introduced new flexibility under the 'Per Drop More Crop' (PDMC) scheme, aiming to promote efficient water use and boost farmer income. This initiative empowers States and Union Territories to undertake micro-level water storage and conservation projects, such as 'diggi' construction and water harvesting systems, tailored to local needs. These systems are designed for both individual farmers and community use, ensuring sustainable water availability for micro-irrigation and ultimately enhancing productivity and income.
Social Welfare and Education
In a significant move for educational support, the Uttar Pradesh government has commenced the early disbursement of 2025-26 scholarships. In the first phase, approximately Rs 62.13 crore has been transferred to over 2.5 lakh Other Backward Class (OBC) students from classes 9 to 12. A second phase is planned to disburse Rs 126.68 crore to more than 4.83 lakh students. This scheme now utilizes fully digital Direct Benefit Transfer to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, enhancing speed and transparency. The budget for the Backward Class Welfare Department has seen a substantial increase, rising from Rs 1,295 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 3,124.45 crore in 2025-26.
From Tamil Nadu, an update on the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KMUT) scheme indicates that new eligible women beneficiaries will begin receiving their monthly entitlement of ā¹1,000 from December 15. Applications received through the 'Ungaludhan Stalin' camps are currently under scrutiny by November 30. The scheme has already provided entitlements to around 1.14 crore women beneficiaries, disbursing nearly ā¹30,000 crore since its inception. Conditions for the scheme have been relaxed to ensure more women can benefit.
Food Security and Nutrition
India's robust multi-layered food security framework continues to serve over 81 crore citizens, with food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) being provided free of cost until 2028. The government restructured the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) into the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) in 2024-25, focusing on increasing production and improving nutritional quality. A key component of this strategy is the Rice Fortification Initiative, which mandates the enrichment of all rice distributed under major welfare schemes like PMGKAY, PM POSHAN, and ICDS with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. The upcoming SMART-PDS initiative, expected by December 2025, aims to digitize the entire food supply chain, from procurement to delivery, to further reduce leakage and improve efficiency.
Additionally, the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, launched on October 11, 2025, with a budgetary allocation of ā¹11,440 crore, seeks to boost domestic pulse production and enhance nutritional security.
Defence and Digital Transformation
In a stride towards 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated an Advanced Night Vision factory in Nimmaluru, Andhra Pradesh, to the nation. This facility, established by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), will significantly enhance India's capability to produce night vision equipment, missile sensors, and drone guard systems, thereby elevating the country's defence exports.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor highlighted India's success in Digital Public Platforms (DPPs), noting that approximately 85% of digital payment transactions in the country are conducted through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The Governor emphasized that foundational platforms like Aadhaar and UPI have demonstrated how to build resilient, cost-efficient public service delivery systems at scale. India is committed to international collaboration in this domain and has developed the Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) for other countries to build their own national digital ID systems.